Auto Roots

Begin your day with a tour of Parkwood, The R.S. McLaughlin Estate, the former home to R. Samuel McLaughlin and his family, from 1917 to 1972. Experience the lifestyle of an auto baron while listening in on stories of the lives and accomplishments of this remarkable family. Guided tours start at 10:30 a.m. during the summer and last approximately one hour.

Explore the grounds and gardens of Parkwood then relax and enjoy lunch at the Tea House, located in the Formal Garden, much like the McLaughlin’s once did.

Depending on the season, you may choose instead to take a quick trip down the road to the The Robert McLaughlin Gallery and lunch upstairs in the Gallery Café. Ewart McLaughlin and his wife Margaret (painter Alexandra Luke) provided financial support and works from her collection to assist in the establishment of the Gallery. The Gallery gets its name from Robert McLaughlin, father of Col. R.S. (Sam) McLaughlin and grandfather of Ewart. With its beginnings established through the desires of local artists, the Galley maintains a commitment to the regional artistic community.

Just blocks away you’ll find the Canadian Automotive Museum where approximately 65 vehicles, dating from 1898 to 1981, are on display in an original 1920’s car dealership – complete with the original elevator used to move cars to the second floor.

Enjoy a relaxing drive through the country on your way to the McLaughlin Plaque, located at the old homestead on County Road 14 in Tyrone. This was once home to Robert McLaughlin and where he built his first two cutters in the driving-shed before establishing McLaughlin Carriage Works in nearby Enniskillen. This, and the future McLaughlin Motor Car Company, combined in 1918 to become General Motors of Canada.

Check in and freshen up at one of Clarington’s bed & breakfasts -- maybe even one with a car theme such as Model ‘A’ Acres or Ridge Top Tree Farm, the Racer’s Retreat.

The Wednesday night car cruises held at Haugen’s Chicken & Rib BBQ in Manchester are something to see. And while you’re there, enjoy a relaxing dinner.

Check out the schedule and then it’s off to the races at Mosport International Raceway, Canada’s largest motorsport facility. Saturday night races are scheduled May through mid-September. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. with races scheduled to start at 6:30 pm.